There are a lot of problems and difficulties right now, from increasing impacts from climate change to political unrest to concern about the future of artificial intelligence.
We care about our readers, so we just want to check in with you: How are you doing?
Related questions: How are we doing? What is the greatest problem facing humanity? How do you maintain hope?
I’m doing quite well.
A successful end to the legislative session, a fun and rejuvenating trip to Norway and Sweden, and a relatively stress-free summer have left me feeling calmer than I have in years. Anxiety still visits from time to time, but without significant external stressors fueling it, it has been much quieter. I know this season won’t last forever—external stressors will spring up again sometime-—but I’m grateful for it while it’s here.
I’m also thriving because it’s gardening season. My heirloom veggie plot brings me an incredible sense of peace and joy. And, of course, there’s the added bonus of harvesting fresh vegetables. That’s pretty wonderful, too.
Rebecca and I have also made a habit of taking long walks together several times each week during the summer. The conversations along the way have become some of my favorite moments. I cherish them more than I can adequately express.
Another bright spot has been a discussion group I belong to called Complexity and Coffee. This summer I’ve become even more involved than usual. I proposed a three-part study circle exploring what’s broken about our food system and paired each discussion with readings that offer hope for how we can create change—both as individuals and through systemic reform. The proposal was accepted, and I’m now halfway through the series. Tomorrow is our second discussion.
All in all, it’s been a genuinely good summer. I’m trying not to take that for granted.